Seafarers' Identity Documents Convention (Revised), 2003, as amended (No. 185) - Albania (Ratification: 2007)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2024, published 113rd ILC session (2025)

The Committee notes the Government’s first report on the application of the Convention. It also notes that the 2016 amendments to the Annexes of the Convention entered into force for Albania on 8 June 2017. The Committee further notes the Government’s indication that its current Seafarers’ Identity Document (SID) does not meet the necessary security standards outlined in the Convention. To address these issues, the General Maritime Directorate (GMD) has proposed the implementation of a project for an improved information management system which would enhance the production and security standards of SIDs and other travel documents. The Committee requests the Government to adopt in the near future the necessary measures to give full effect to all the provisions of the Convention taking into account the issues raised below. The Committee reminds the Government of the possibility to avail itself of the Office technical assistance.

Article 1(1) and (2) of the Convention. Definition of the term “seafarer”. The Committee notes that the Government provides no information on the definition of the term “seafarer”. Referring to its comments under Article II of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended (MLC, 2006), the Committee requests the Government to indicate how it ensures that all seafarers as defined under Article 1 of Convention No. 185 can benefit from the protection provided by it.

Article 2(1) and (3). Issuance of seafarers’ identity documents. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that SIDs are issued to all Albanian citizens and all foreign/stateless citizens who are permanent residents of the Republic of Albania. The Committee observes that the Government has not referred to the relevant laws or regulations giving effect to this provision of the Convention. The Committeeaccordingly requests the Government to indicate the relevant laws or regulations ensuring compliance with Article 2(1) and (3).

Article 2(1) and (5). Issuance of seafarers’ identity documents. Right to appeal. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to section 106 of Law No. 9251, dated 8 July 2004 (“Maritime Code of the Republic of Albania”, as amended), which establishes a complaint procedure for seafarers without dealing, however, with the appeal in case of rejection of an application for a SID. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide information on the national relevant provisions ensuring that seafarers have the right to an administrative appeal in case of rejection of their application to obtain a SID.

Article 3. Content and form. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that Albanian SIDs are not yet digital/biometric, coded, and with an integrated circuit. It also notes a photocopy of the Seafarers’ Book provided by the Government. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures in the near future to issue a new SID fully compliant with the amended version of the Convention.

Article 4. National electronic database. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the data of seafarers provided with a seafarers’ book is recorded and stored in physical registers. This data is stored in personal computers in the GMD and such database is not electronic. Thus, there are no security measures against unauthorized access. Noting this information, the Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure full conformity with Article 4 and Annex II, as amended in 2016.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

Articles 2–7 of the Convention. Seafarers’ identity documents. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s first report on the application of the Convention, in particular the Government’s explanations that it is currently revising all identification documents in order to meet the benchmarks set by the European Union. With respect to the national electronic database, the Government indicates that work is under way under the guidance of Italian consultants (RINA) to establish a national registration centre within the framework of a project for the establishment of a Maritime Administration and the improvement of maritime legislation.

The Committee is fully cognizant of the fact that ratifying countries may need a few years to put in place the facilities and systems necessary for the issuance of seafarers’ identity documents, especially in view of the highly technical character of certain requirements and recommended procedures. It further understands that, at the initial stage, it may only be able to make a preliminary assessment of the extent to which Members ratifying the Convention have established the necessary facilities and systems. The Committee therefore encourages the Government to pursue its action with a view to adopting the necessary implementing legislation and recalls that the Government may, if it so wishes, avail itself of the advisory services of the Office in drafting new laws or regulations.

The Committee accordingly requests the Government to supply copies of all relevant texts as soon as they are adopted, detailed information on the procedures for setting up and operating a national electronic database and conducting quality control and periodic evaluations, as well as a specimen (not a photocopy) seafarer’s identity document. It also requests the Government to provide a copy of the Regulations of the General Harbour Master’s Office on the procedures for providing Albanian seafarers with seafarer passports and the manner of their administration, to which reference was made in the Government’s report.